Machine for assembling tension rods with other elements



8 Sheets-Sheet 1 W. C. ULINE April 10, 1934.

MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING TENSION RODS WITH OTHER ELEMENTS Original FiledDec.

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A ril 10, 1934. w Q UNE 1,954,546

MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING TENSION RODS WITH OTHER ELEMENTS Original FiledDec. 15, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 W. C. ULINE April 10, 1934.

MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING TENSION RODS WITH OTHER ELEMENTS Original FiledDec. 15, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 1'7? 67?'{ 07". 5 Walter C. Uluze,

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April 10, 1934. w. c. ULINE 5 ,5 6 MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING TENSION RODSWITH OTi'IER ELEMENTS V origina l Filed Dec. 15, 1930 s Sheets-Sheet 4Pril 10 1934.

MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING TENSION RODS WITH OTHER ELEMENTS .Original FiledDec. 15, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 W. C. ULINE April 10, 1934.

MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING TENSION RODS WITH OTHER ELEMENTS Original FiledDec. 15, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 W. C. ULINE April 10, 1934.

Original Filed Dec. 15, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 fizz/ 72 for:

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MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING TENSION RODS WITH OTHER ELEMENTS UK in e,

8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Je 7 C Zl/Q Z ta Original Filed Dec Original an502,548.

1931, Serial No. 535,664

STATES PATENT 0F MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING TENSION RODS WITH OTHER ELEMENTSWalter C. Uline, Nappanee, Ind.

plicationDecember 15, 1930, Serial No. Divided and this application May4,

10 Claims.

The invention relates more particularly to a machine for manufacturingstep ladders the sidebar frames of which have connected therewithtension elements for preventing spreading of said 5 frames, the presentapplication being a division of my pending application Serial filedDecember 15, 1930.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide for the manufacture ofstructures of the general character above referred to with greaterGCODOIDY.

Another object is to provide a novel, simple, and rapidly operablemachine for effecting the tying together, for the purpose stated, of theelements referred to and particularly in the case of the side bar framesof a step-ladder.

Another object is to produce the tying together of the elements as abovereferred to, in a novel, simple and economical manner; and other objectsas will be understood from the following description.

Referring to the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a machine constituting one formin which the invention may be embodied.

Figure 2 is a plan View of the machine of Fig. 1. Figure 2 is a view inend elevation of treadleoperated valve mechanism forming a part of themechanism of Fig. 1.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the abutment device for the wire-sectionsfrom which the tension elements are formed, the structure being viewedat the line 3-3 on Fig. 1 and in the the arrows.

Figure l is an enlarged section t direction of aken at the irregularline 4- on Fig. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrow.

Figure 5 is a broken plan section taken at the line of the arrows.

5-5 on Fig. 4 and viewed in the direction Figure 6 is a broken plansectional View taken at the line 6-6 on Fig. 4 and viewed in thedirection of the arrows.

Figure l is a plan sectional view taken at the line 7-7 on Fig. 4 andviewed in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 8 is a broken face view of one of the pair of similar sections ofwhich each of the clamp devices forming elements of the machine iscomprised, this view showing a tension rod the upsetting of one thereofhaving been efat the line direction of Figure 10 is an enlarged sectiontaken at the line 10-10 on Fig. 1 and viewed in the direction of thearrows.

Figure 11 is a broken, enlarged, sectional view of the adjustmentabutment device for the rods the ends of which are to be upset.

Figure 12 is a broken face view of a stepladder the assembly of the tie,or tension, rods thereof being eiiected by the machine of the precedingfigures.

Figure 13 is a view in side elevation of another form of machineembodying the invention, the machine being shown assembled with theparts of a step-ladder leg to be united by the machine.

Figure 1 is a plan view of the machine of Fig. 13.

Figure 15 is a broken View in vertical sectional elevation of a detailof a mechanism forming anvils against which the rods to be upset forforming the tensioning, or tie, members of the latter, are caused tobear.

Figure 16 is a section taken at the line 16-16 on Fig. 15 and viewed inthe direction of the arrows.

Figure 17 is an enlarged broken section taken at the line 17-17 on Fig.14 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 18 is an enlarged section taken at the line iii-18 on Fig. 14.and viewed in the direc- 35 tion of the arrows.

Figure 19 is an enlarged section taken at the line 19--19 on Fig. 14 andviewed in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 20 is a face view of one of the pair of similar sections of whicheach of the clamp devices forming elements of the machine, is formed.

Figure 21 is a broken view like Fig. 13 of a portion of a modified formor" the machine shown to adapt it for the upsetting of the tie ortension rods, after the steps of the ladder have been assembled with theside bars.

Figure 22 is a plan view of the part of the structure shown in Fig. 21.

Figure 23 is a view, like Fig. 20, of one of the similar sections of therod-clamps of the machines; and

Figure 24, an enlarged broken section taken at the line 24 on Fig. 22and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Inasmuch as the invention was devised for use more particularly in themanipulation of stepladders, I have chosen to illustrate it in thisconnection, Fig. 12 illustrating, by a View in front elevation, astep-ladder which may be produced 110 by the use of either of theillustrated machines.

To aid in the clear understanding of the way in which the machinesoperate it may be stated that the step-ladder shown is of the typecomprising a riser-section 25 and a rear-leg section 26 hingedlyconnected together at their upper ends adjacent a platform portion 2'7in accordance with common practice. The riser-section 25 is formed of apair of side bars 28 extending side by side in spaced apart relation andsupporting boards 29 shown as set at their ends into gains 30 in theopposite faces of the bars 28, these bars being tied together atintervals, preferably at points closely adjacent to each step-formingboard 29, by tension rods 31 provided, as hereinafter described, and inaccordance with the invention. As is usual in step-ladders of this typethe riser and leg sections 25 and 26 are connected together by aspreader-device 32.

The tension rods 31 each formed of a single length of wire preferably ofrelatively soft steel and relatively heavy, as for example of No. 7gauge, extend through openings in the bars 28 with their outer endsupset as represented at 33, preferably with washers 34 surrounding therods between their upset ends and the adjacent side-bars 28, wherebythese rods serve, by their resistance to tension stresses, to preventspreading apart of the bars 28.

In accordance with one method of procedure the various sections of Wirewhich are to form the tension rods 31 are threaded through the openingsin the bar-members 28 and which they a, are to occupy in the finishedstructure, the ends of the wire-sections at one side of the bar-members28 then firmly clamped and their extremities upset, the structure formedof the bar-members 28 and wire sections then inverted and the a otherends of the wire sections firmly clamped gains 30.

- tension elements to andthen upset. The bars 28 are then spread apartinto their desired spaced relation and the boards forming the steps 29assembled with the bars 28 by sliding them at their ends into the Theeffective length of the tension rods 31 is preferably such that in theapplying of the boards forming the steps 29 to place as stated, theserods become tensioned with the manifest advantage.

In accordance with another method of procedure the bars 28 and theboards forming the portions 29 are assembled before the upsetting ,ofthe tension-rod-forming sections 31 has been effected, the rods 31, ineither case, serving as prevent spreading of the side-bars of the ladderstructure.

In Figs. 1 to 11, inclusive, I have illustrated a machine suitable forpractising, more particularly, the first of the above-referred-tomethods and embodying certain features of the invention.

The machine illustrated comprises a bedplate 35 shown as supported onlegs 36, the bedplate 35 being provided at intervals therealong withclamp-devices 37 for clamping the upper ends of the wire sections 31,the lower ends of which preferably bear against abutment or positioningsurfaces 38 shown as arranged in the form of a series of steps to permitthe ends of the wire sections 31 opposite (those engaging theseabutments (these rod-forming sections being of progressively greaterlength) to extend at substantially the same height as shown in Fig. 1.

The abutment surfaces 38 are shown as provided on a bar 39 mounted ininclined position on a stationary bar 40 of the machine and guided forlengthwise movement therealong by parallel bars 41 and 42 positioned ontop of the bar 40 and located at opposite edges of the latter (Fig. 10)the bar 42 supporting a fourth bar 43 which overhangs the bar 40.

The slide-bar 39 is adapted for lengthwise ad justment either by meansof a lever shown at 44 at one end of the machine or a lever shown at 45adjacent the center of the machine (Fig. l). The lever 44, shown as ofbell-crank form, is pivoted at 46 to a stationary part 47 of the machineand at 48 to the slide-bar 39 and by rocking this lever the bar 39 isthus shifted in either direction lengthwise of the machine. The lever 45is pivoted at its inner end, as represented at 49, to a stationary partof the machine and contains a slot 50 into which a pin 51, projectingupwardly from the bar 39, extends (Fig. 3).

As means for accurately positioning the bar 39 in its longitudinalmovements the device represented at 39 is provided this devicecomprising a socket-member 39 containing a ball 39 pressed outwardly bya coil spring 39 against the upper face of the slide-bar 39 and adaptedto enter any one of a series of recesses 39 provided in the bar 39.

It Will be understood from the foregoing that as the bar 40 is supportedin an inclined position movement of the slide-bar 39 therealong in onedirection moves the surfaces 38 toward the clamping devices 37 andmovement of slide-bar 39 in the opposite direction moves the surfaces 38away from these clamping devices.

Referring now to the clamp device feature of the machine, eachclamp-device 37 comprises a stationary section 52 and a movable section53.

The stationary sections 52 of the clamp-devices, are each formed of arelatively heavy block, or head-portion, 54 secured, as by bolts 55, tothe bed plate 35 of the machine, the head, or block, being provided witha horizontally projecting portion 56 forming a support and backing for ablock 57 secured thereto by screws 5'7 and containing in a face 58thereof, a vertical groove 59, shown as of V-shape, to receive the upperend of the adjacent rod-section 31, the upper end of this groove openinginto a substantially semicircular recess 60 in the upper portion of theblock 5'7.

The movable clamp sections 53 each comprise a head, or block, 61confined against longitudinal movement on a reciprocable bar 62 bycollars 63 fixed on the bar 62 at opposite sides of each block, or head,61.

The block, or head, 61 is provided with a laterally extending portion 64forming a backing and support for a block 65 which directly opposes theadjacent one of the clamp-blocks 56, the clamp blocks 65 being providedwith grooves and recesses as described above and shown of the block 56at 59 and 60, these grooves and recesses being directly opposed andreceiving the end of the rod-sections 31 to clamp the latter when themovable clamp-sections 61 are adjustable into clamping relationship withthe stationary clampsections 54.

The movable clamp sections 53 are held from moving otherwise than inlongitudinal direction With the bar 62, by pins 66 rigidly mounted ineach stationary block 54 and extending into bores 67 in the movableblock 61 and on which the sections 53 are slidable; and also by similarpins 68 secured to the stationary blocks 5'? and projecting intoopenings 69 in the movable blocks 65.

Extending through the block 65 and into the head 64 are screws (notshown) arranged as shown of the screws 57*, the block having slightlywobbling connection with the head 64 to conformingly fit against thewire-section to be clamped, the block 65 being backed by a rod 64threaded in the head 64 and which by its adjustment causes the block 65to be firmly forced against the wire section when the clamping mechanismis actuated to clamping position. 7

The bar 62 which extends through the blocks 61 also extends throughbores in the stationary blocks 54 in which it is slidable, and isassociated with means for reciprocating it for simultaneously moving allof the movable sections 53 toward the stationary sections 54 tocondition the clamp devices for clamping the upper ends of the wiresections 31; the means shown comprising a piston and cylinder device '71the piston of which (not shown) is reciprocated responsive tofluid-pressure, as for example compressed air, supplied to the cylinderat opposite sides, alter nately, of the piston as hereinafter described,the piston being pivotally connected at its rod-portion '72 with theupper end of a'lever 73 fulcrumed at its lower end on a stationary partof the machine as represented at '74 and pivotally connected between itsends to the rod 62, as represented at 75 adjacent a stationary bearing62 in which the rod 62 is slidable.

Opening into opposite ends of the cylinder of the devices '11 are pipes76 and 7'7 which lead to valve mechanism 79 in communication with a pipe78 leading from any suitable source of fluidpressure supply (not shown).The valve mechanism shown may be of any desirable construction to directthe fluid-pressure under the control of the operator alternately intothe pipes 76 and '77 and vent the one thereof through which fluidpressure is not passing, and as such valve mechanisms are of well knownconstruction detailed illustration and description thereof appears to beunnecessary. Suffice it to say that the mechanism shown is of the typecomprising a treadle lever 80 pivotally connected at its rear end asindicated at 81 to the upper end of a link 82 the lower end of which ispivotally connected at 83 with a stationary part of the support for thevalve device 79. The forward end of the treadle lever 80 is pivotallyconnected at 84 with a rotatable member 85 having a band portion 86rotatably mounted on a ratchet head 87 secured to the rotatable stem 88of the valve device 79. The member 85 is provided with a spring presseddog 89 for cooperating with the ratchet teeth 90 of the ratchet 87, theratchet having four teeth equidistantly spaced. The mechanism justdescribed operates each time the treadle 80 is depressed to rotate thevalve stem 90. Each 90 rotation of the valve reverses the flow of fluidpressure to the cylinder of the device "1'1 and vents its opposite end,so that to produce a complete reciprocation of the bar 62, the operatordepresses the treadle 80twice.

It may be here stated that in the asembling of the wire sections 31 withthe bars 28 in accordance with the preferred method and as would bepracticed by the particular construction of machine now being described,the wire sections 31 are introduced through the registering holes in thebars 28 and the assembled parts applied to the machine to the positionshown, in which position the bars 28 rest on angle brackets 91 securedto the bed-plate 35, and the lower ends of the wire sections 31 rest onthe stepped abutment surfaces 38, the upper ends of the wire sections 31extending into the grooves 59 and the recesses 60 of the clamp heads 56(the movable clamp sections 53 having been moved away from the clampsections 52) the washers 34 being placed over the upper ends of the wiresections 31 to rest on the bottoms of the recesses 60 and the abutmentsurfaces 38 being adjusted to cause the upper ends of the wire sections31 to extend the desired distance above the bottoms of the recesses 60.

To insure the proper positioning of the wire sections 31 in the grooves59 of the clamp sections 52, the machine is equipped with a slide bar 92(Figs. 4 and 6) slidable along lateral or base extensions 52 of theclamp sections 52 and guided by clips 93 secured to certain of these Iclamp sections, the bar 92 being provided with a series of horizontallydisposed fingers 94 of the same number as the clamp devices 3'? andspaced apart along the bar 92 substantially the same distance as thespacing of adjacent ones of the clamp devices, each finger 94, whichextends generally lengthwise of the bar 92, being secured at one end tothe bar 92 as represented at 95, with its opposite end deflected asshown at 96 to space it from the bar 92 and with its free extremityinclining away from the bar 92 as represented at 9'? to provide a cam toaid in positioning the adjacent rod.

The bar 92 is also provided with a series of horizontally disposedfingers 98 located in a plane above the fingers 96 and spaced apartalong the bar 92 the same distance as the fingers 96. Each finger 98 isformed of an angle shaped member at one portion 99 of which it issecured to the bar 92, its other portion 199 extending outwardlytherefrom, these finger forming portions 100 extending crosswise of thefingers 96 below them.

The bar 92 is shown as provided with a series of pins 101 by which theoperator may shift this bar 92. In the operation of the machine afterthe ladder parts above referred to have been applied to the machine asabove stated (the bar 92 having previously been shifted to the right inFig. 1), the operator shifts the bar 92 to the left in Fig. 1 whereuponthe fingers 96 ride against the wire sections 31 the latter becominginterposed between these fingers and the bar 92, and the fingers 98engage these wire sections as shown in Fig. 6 which results in the wiresections being automatically properly positioned for clamping in thegrooved portions of the clamp sections 52 and 53, a stop 102 (Fig, 1)stopping the bar 92 in the correct position.

The operator having manipulated the parts of the machine as statedpresses down on the treadle device 80 to condition the valve '79 forintroducing fluid pressure into the right-hand end of the cylinderdevice 71 in Figs. 1 and 2 and venting the left-hand end thereof,whereupon the bar 62 shifts to the left in these figures oarryingtherewith the heads 64 and firmly clamping the wire sections 31 betweenthe blocks 57 and 65 for holding these wire sections against downwardmovement during the upsetting operation effected by the mechanismhereinafter explained, the abutment surfaces 38 aiding in the resistingof the downward movement of the wire sections 31 in case there is anyslippage of the wire sections in the clamps, it being understood,however, that it is intended the clamps exert sufficient resistance todownward movement of the wire sections which, if the clamps are notemployed, would buckle in the end upsetting operation.

The machine also comprises means for upsetting the upper ends of thewire sections 31, these means comprising a plurality of upsettingmechanisms 103 extending in a series lengthwise of the machine anddisposed above the clamping devices 37, respectively.

Each mechanism 103 comprises a head 104 containing a vertical opening105 therethrough in which a cylindrical member 106, vertically alinedwith the companion grooves of the wire-sectionclamping device 37 belowit, is rotatable, the member 106 being held against displacementvertically by an annular flange 107 on its upper end and a ring 108 onits lower end. The member 106 contains an opening 109 extendingvertically therethrough eccentric of its axis of rotation, the upperportion of this opening being of enlarged diameter to provide a socketportion represented at 110. Reciprocable in the opening through themember 106 is a riveting plunger 111 having a head 112 at its upper endlocated in the socket 110 and pressed upwardly by any suitable means, asfor example by, a coil spring 113, or a rubber tube (not shown)surrounding the plunger 111 and located between the head 112 and thebottom of the socket 110.

It may be here stated that as shown the lower end of the plunger 111engages the upper end of the wire section 31 to be upset to one side ofits central median line and in the operation of the mechanism ashereinafter described for delivering blows to the top of the plunger111, the member 106 is rotated whereby the plunger 111 travels aroundthe upper end of the wire section causing it to become deformed in upsetcondition in resemblance to a cone as represented at 114 in Figs. 4 and8.

The means shown for rotating the members 106 for the purpose statedcomprise a worm wheel 115 splined to each member 106 and meshing with aWorm 116, the worm 116 being mounted on a shaft 117 extending lengthwiseof the machine and rotated by any suitable means, as for example themotor represented at 118, through the medium of the driving beltconnection represented at 119, the motor 118 being rigidly secured to ablock 120 fastened to, and vertically movable with, a plate memberhereinafter referred to and controlling the vertical positioning of thewire section upsetting mechanisms.

Each upsetting mechanism also comprises a head 121 positioned above thehead 104 with which it cooperates, the head 121 comprising a bracketmember 122, in the overhanging portion 123 of which a reciprocatingpneumatically operating upsetting tool device 124 is mounted, the lowerimpact-producing portion of which and represented at 125, being invertical alinement with the axis of rotation of the member 106 below itand extending into the upper end of the socket 109 into engagement withthe top of the plunger 111.

The tool device 124 may be of any desirable construction as for exampleas commonly provided for upsetting the ends of rods and shown as of thepneumatically operated type, the hose line for intermittently supplyingfluid pressure to the tool device 124 for operating it being representedat 126, the lead lines 126 from the several heads 121 opening into aheader 127 connected with a pipe 128 having a flexible section 129 andleading from any suitable source of fluid pressure.

All of the heads 104 are supported on the plate above referred to andrepresented at 130 as by screws 131, this plate being flatwise secured,as by screws 132, to a plurality of horizontally spaced apart verticalslides 133 having flanges 134 at their opposite edges and guided forvertical movement on uprights 135 rising from the stationary frame ofthe machine. The uprights contain vertical grooves 136 each partiallyoverlapped by bars 137 secured thereto as by the screws represented at138, the flanges 134 of these slides extending into the grooves betweenthe uprights 135 and the bars 137 as shown in Fig. 9, whereby the slides133 are guidingly confined in the uprights for vertical movementthereon, wear bars 139, adjustable by screws 140 on the uprights 135,bearing against the vertical edges of the slides 133.

The heads 121 are secured by screws 141 to vertical plates 142 which areslidable vertically in grooves 143 in the rear faces of the heads 104,with wear plates 144 shown as interposed therebetween, the weight of theslides 142 and the parts carried thereby causing the upsetting tools 124to bear, by gravity, against the upper ends of the plungers 111 withwhich they cooperate.

The several upsetting mechanisms described are associated with meansbywhich they may be moved into and out of operative position as desired,the means shown for this purpose comprising a rock shaft 145 journalledin stationary bearings 146 on the uprights 135 and equipped with a handlever 147; and levers 148 secured to said shaft adjacent its ends, theselevers being pivoted, at their forward ends, as indicated at 149, to theupper ends of links 150 the lower ends of which are pivoted at 151 toears 152 projecting from the plate 130. The levers 143 are provided attheir rear ends with weights 153 which operate to rock the shaft 145into a position in which the several upsetting mechanisms 103 extendupwardly out of operating position, the shaft 145 being operated tolower these upsetting mechanisms to operating position by the operatorpulling down on the hand lever 147 which lowers the heads 104 and theheads 123 and forces the plungers 111 downwardly against the upper endsof the wire sections 31.

It is desirable that means be provided whereby the fluid pressure willbe automatically supplied to the upsetting mechanisms and current to themotor 118 upon the act of lowering the upsetting mechanisms intooperating position as stated and automatically discontinue the supply offluid pressure and current upon the rise of the upsetting mechanism outof operating position.

The machine shown involves mechanisms providing for such automaticoperations, these mechanisms comprising a valve device represented at154 at the juncture of the pipes 127 and 128 and involving a rotatablecontrolling valve member as is common in valve structures, the stem ofwhich is represented at 155, this stem being rigidly connected with oneend of an arm 156 the other end of which is slotted and through whichslot a pin 157 carried by spaced apart ears 158 projecting from theplate 130 extend. In the lowered position of the upsetting mechanismsshown in Fig. 4 the valve 155 would be open to permit fluid pressure toflow to the pneumatically operated tool devices 124. In the movement ofthe upsetting mechanisms to raised position following the upsettingoperation, the valve 155 is rotated by the arm 156 to arrest the flow offluid pressure to the tool devices 124.

The operation of the motor 118 is controlled by switch mechanismcomprising a switch device 159 secured to the block 120 and having arocking element controlling the flow of current through the switch 160as is common in switches, this rock element functioning when swungupwardly to close the circuit of the motor for the supplying of currentthereto and when swung downwardly to break the current to the motor. Tothis end the adjacent upright 135 is provided with a stationary platemember 161 containing a vertical slot (not shown) through which therocking member 160 extends, the parts being so constructed and arrangedthat as the plate 130 nears its lowermost movement the rocking memher160 engages the lower end of the slot in the plate 161 which rocks themember 160 for closing the switch thus supplying current to the motor118 and when the plate 130 nears the limit of its upward movement therock member 160 engages the upper end of the slot in plate 161 whichcauses the member 160 to rock into a position for discontinuing the flowof current to the motor.

It will be understood from the foregoing that following the clamping ofthe wire sections 31 in the clamping devices 37, with the washers 34applied to the upper ends of these wire sections, as hereinbeforedescribed, the operator pulls down on the lever 147 to position theupsetting mechanism 103 for operation on the upper ends of the wiresections 31, in which operation the reciprocating tool devices 124 arecaused to automatically communicate with the source of fluid pressurefor operating them and the motor 118 is started into operation forrotating the members 106 which causes the plungers 111 to move aroundthe upper ends of the wire sections to be upset as above explained.

After the ends of the wire sections 31 are upset as stated, theassembly, comprising the bars 28 and the wire sections 31, is inverted,to cause the upset ends of the wire sections to rest on the abutmentsurfaces 38 and the upper ends of the wire sections then upset above thewashers 34 applied to the wire sections 31 as explained of the otherends of these wire sections, the abutment-surface-equipped bar 39, afterthe first upsetting operation being shifted to the right in Fig. 1 tocause the abutment surfaces 38 to be raised a distance equal to theamount the wire sections were shortened by the first upsettingoperation.

Referring now to the machine illustrated in Figs. 13 to 20, inclusive,which constitutes another embodiment of my invention as to certainphases thereof, and is suitable for practicing, more particularly, themethod above described in connection with the machine of the precedingfigures; this machine comprises a bed plate 162 shown as supported onpedestals 163, the bed plate 162 being provided at intervals therealongwith clamp devices 164 for clamping the upper ends of the wire sections31, the lower ends of which preferably bear against abutment orpositioning members 165 which are shown as arranged in the form of aseries of steps to permit the ends of the wire sections 31 oppositethose engaging these abutments to extend at substantially the sameheight as shown in Fig. 13.

The abutment members 165 are shown as in the form of blocks mounted on aslide 166 movable lengthwise in a guide, or way, 167 supported in aninclined position on projections 168 provided on the pedestals 163. Theslide 166 is shown as connected with lever mechanism by which it may beoperated, this lever mechanism comprising a bell crank lever 169 pivotedat its angle as represented at 170, to a bracket 171 on the guide 167and pivoted at its upper end as represented at 172, to the outer end ofa link 173 pivoted at its inner end as indicated at 174 to the slide166.

It will be understood from the foregoing that as the member 167 issupported in an inclined position movement of the slide 166 therealongin one direction moves the blocks 165 toward the clamping devices 164and movement of the slide in the opposite direction moves these blocksaway from these clamping devices.

Each clamp device 26 comprises a stationary section 175 and a movablesection 176. The stationary sections 175 are each formed of a relativelyheavy block, or head portion 177 rigidly secured, as by bolts 178, tothe bed plate 162 of the machine, the head, or block, 177 being provided with a horizontally projecting portion 179 forming a support andbacking for a block 180 containing in a face 181 thereof, a verticalgroove 182 to receive the upper end of the adjacent rod section 31, theupper end of this groove opening into a substantially semi-circularrecess 182 in the upper portion of the member 180.

The movable. clamp sections 176 each comprise a head or block 184confined against longitudinal movement on a rotatable shaft 185 bycollars 186 fixed on this shaft at opposite sides of each block or head184.

The block or head 184 is provided with alaterally extending portion 187forming a backing and support for a block 188 which directly opposes theadjacent one of the clamp blocks 180, the clamp block 188 being providedwith a groove and a recess as described above and shown of the block 180at 182 and 183, these grooves and recesses being directly opposed andreceiving the end of the rod section 31 to clamp the latter when themovable clamp section 176 is adjusted into clamping relationship withthe stationary section 175.

The shaft 185 which extends through, and is journalled in, the severalheads or blocks 184, extends rotatably through the heads or blocks 177,one portion of this shaft, the left-hand portion thereof in Fig. 1,being shown as threaded as represented at 189 at which it has screwthreaded engagement with a threaded bearing 190 rigidly secured to thebed plate 162, whereby rotation of the shaft 185 in one directionsimultaneously moves all of the movable clamp sections 176 toward thestationary sections 175 thereof to condition the clamp devices forclamping the upper ends of the wire sections 31 and rotation of thisshaft in the opposite direction shifts said movable sections away fromthe fixed clamp sections.

A member having a plain journalling surface engaged by the shaft 185 andrepresented at 191 is secured to the opposite end of the bed plate 162adjacent to which the shaft 185 is shown as equipped with a hand-wheel192 by which it may be rotated; the shaft 185 by preference havingjournal support at the portions thereof which extend through the fixedclamp sections 175.

The movable clamp sections 176 are prevented from rotating on the shaft185 out of the desired position, by the provision of a rod 193 rigidlymounted in the alined stationary clamp sections and on which rod themovable clamp sections 176 are longitudinally slidable under the controlof the shaft 185.

The machine also comprises a mechanism for upsetting ends of the wiresections 31, this mechanism comprising a sectional bracket the sectionsof which are represented at 194, 195, 196 and 197. The section 194 ispivoted on a pivot pin 198 secured in vertically spaced ears 199 and 200of a stationary upright 201 secured to the bed plate 162 of the machine,and the section 195 is pivotally connected with the outer end of the sections 194 by a pivoting pin 202, the pivoting pins 198 and 202 beingvertically disposed to adapt the section 194 to swing about a verticalaxis on the upright 201 and the section 195 to swing about the section194 also about a vertical axis.

The outer end of the section 195 is bifurcated to present the verticallyspaced arms 203 to the outer ends of which the sections 196 and 197,which are in the form of bars extending parallel to each other, arepivoted as represented at 204 and 205, a coil spring 206 connected witha lug 207 on one of the arms 203 and with a lug 208 on the other end ofthe section 196, tending to hold the latter in the position shown in thedrawings.

The bracket thus provided supports an upsetting tool such as for exampleof the pneumatically actuated type as represented at 209, thereciprocating tool element of which is represented at 21.0.

The device 209 is provided with rearwardly extending lugs 211 and 212 towhich the outer ends of the bracket sections 196 and 197 are pivoted asrepresented at 213 and 214, respectively. It will be understood from theforegoing that the spring 206 tends to normally hold the tool device 209in raised position and that in the use of the same for upsetting thewire sections 31 the tool device 209 would be swung over the ends ofthese wire portions for registry therewith in succession.

In the assembling of the wire sections 31 with the bars 28, inaccordance with the preferred method practiced with this construction,the wire sections 31 are introduced through the registering holes in thebars 28 and the assembled parts applied to the machine to the positionshown, in which position the bars 28 rest on pins 215 projecting fromthe side of the bed 162, the lower ends of the wire sections 31 rest onthe stepped series of abutments 165 and the upper ends .of the wiresections 31 extend into the grooves 182 and the recesses 183 of theclamp devices as shown (the movable clamp sections 176 being withdrawnto the position shown), the washers 34 being placed over the upper endsof the wire sections to rest on the bottoms of the recesses 183, and theabutments 165 being adjusted to cause the upper ends of the wiresections 31 to extend the desired distance above the bottoms of therecesses 183.

The operator then manipulates the shaft 185 to move the clamp sections176 into clamping engagement with the wire sections 31 to firmly holdthem against downward movement during the upsetting operation effectedby means of the tool device 209 as above explained, the abutments 165aiding in the resisting of the downward movement of the wire sections 31in case there is any slippage of the wire sections in the clamps; itbeing understood, however, that it is intended the clamps exertsufiicient resistance to downward movement of the wire sections which,if the clamps were not employed, would buckle in the end upsettingoperation.

After the upper ends of the wire sections are upset as stated, theassembly, comprising the bars 28 and the wire sections 31, is inverted,to cause the upset ends of the wire sections to rest on the abutments165 and the upper ends of the wire sections then upset above the washers34 applied to the wire sections, as explained of the other ends of thewire sections, the abutments 165, after the first upsetting operationand before the second upsetting operation, being raised a distance equalto the amount the wire sections were shortened by the first upsettingoperation.

The machine of Figs. 13 to 20, inclusive, as modified according to theshowing in Figs. 21, 22, 23 and 24 is adapted for the upsetting of theends of the wire sections 31 in case it is desired that the tension rodsbe installed in place after the step-forming portions 29 of the latterhave been assembled with the side bars 28. In this construction ofmachine the clamps represented at 216 and corresponding with the clamps164 of Fig. 13, extend normal to the position occupied by the clamps164, each being formed of a stationary section 217 presenting a clampingblock of the same construction as the blocks 180, and a movable clampsection 219 having a clamping block 220 as in the case of the clampsections 176 except that the recesses at the top of these blocks asrepresented at 183 in the machine of Figs. 13 to 20, inclusive, areomitted and the grooves in these blocks and represented at 221 and 222are slightly inclined as shown.

The clamp sections 219 are mounted between collars 223 and 224 on shafts225 slidable in the clamp sections 217 and having rack portions 226, theclamp sections 219 sliding on rods 227 each fixed at one end of theadjacent clamp section 217, to hold the sections 219 against rotationabout the shafts 225. The actuating shaft for the movable clamp sections219, in this construction, is represented at 228 and is journalled on astationary part of the machine and would be provided with a hand-wheel,as in the case of the shaft 185, for operating it, the shaft 228 beingprovided at intervals with pinions 229 rigid thereon and meshing withthe racks 226 of the shafts 225, respectively, which latter areguidingly confined for reciprocation in bores 230 of housings 231 inwhich the pinions 229- extend.

In using this form of machine which, it will be understood, may beprovided with an upsetting tool device as in the case of the machine ofFigs. 13 to 20, inclusive, the ladder parts assembled as shown in Fig.21, would be applied to the position therein shown to position the upperportions of the wire sections 31 in registration with the registeringgrooves 221 and 222 of the clamps, the washers 34 being applied to theupper ends of the wire sections 31 which project through openings in theupper one of the bars 28 the upper terminal portions of these wiresections being upset against the washers 34. The assembly of the ladderparts is then inverted and the other ends of the wire sections whichthus become uppermost, upset, with the washers about the wire sections,as explained above.

If desired, and by preference, the machine now being described wouldalso be provided with the abutment devices 165 as explained of theconstruction shown in Figs. 13 to 20, inclusive, which would be adjustedupwardly following the first upsetting operation a distance equal to theshortening of the wire sections by the first upsetting operation.

It will be understood that if desired the machine of Figs. 1 to 13,inclusive, may be modified, to adapt it to upset the wire sections afterthe assembly of the step forming portions 29 with the side bars 28 asshown in Fig. 21, to cause the clamping devices to extend normal to theplane of the assembled ladder parts instead of lengthwise of the ladderparts, as for example in accordance with the suggested modificationshown in Figs. 21, 22, 23 and 24;.

While I have illustrated my invention as embodied in certain particularconstructions of machines, I do not wish to be understood as intendingto limit it thereto as the invention may be embodied in otherconstructions of machines and various changes and alterations may bemade in the particular machines shown without departing from the spiritof my invention.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. Upsetting mechanism comprising a clamp having a holding portion forthe rod to be upset, a rotatable member containing a longitudinal guideopening eccentric of its axis of rotation and of the rod-holding portionof the clamp, an upsetting element mounted in said opening forsubstantially straight line reciprocation in said opening, means forreciprocating said element and means for rotating said member.

2. Upsetting mechanism comprising a clamp having a holding portion forthe rod to be upset, a rotatable member containing an opening eccentricof its axis of rotation and of the rod-holding portion of the clamp, astraight line reciprocable element mounted in said opening operative totravel around the end of said rod-holding portion i and upset the rodmeans for reciprocating said element, and means for rotating saidmember.

3. Upsetting mechanism comprising a clamp having a holding-portion forthe rod to be upset, a rotatable member containing an opening eccentricof its axis of rotation and of the rod-holding portion of the clamp, anupsetting element in said opening, means for rotating said member, andmeans for reciprocating said element in a straight line.

4. Upsetting mechanism comprising a clamp for the rod to be upset, amember supported to move toward and away from said clamp, a reciprocableupsetting element on said member, a head slidable on said member, andmeans on said head and supported on said element for driving the latteragainst the end of said rod to upset the latter.

5. In a machine of the class described for securing together stileshaving rods passed therethrough, means on the machine to support thestiles, a clamp on the machine for each rod, said clamps being locatedabove the first mentioned means and each clamp having a relativelymovable and a stationary section, supporting means on the machine onwhich the lower ends of the rods rest, means operable to upset the upperends of the rods while the stiles and rods are supported by the firstand second mentioned means, and means to operate the second mentionedmeans to elevate the rods after inversion of the rods and stiles toenable upsetting of their originally lower ends by the upsetting meansto compensate for the shortening thereof caused by the first upsettingoperation.

6. A machine of the character set forth comprising a clamp for the rodto be upset having a movable jaw and a jaw coacting therewith, meanswhereby the rod is supported in upstanding position independently of theclamp when the jaws are open, a bar slidable in the direction ofmovement of the movable jaw and at a right angle to said rod, a fingermeans on one side of the bar generally extending longitudinally of thebar, said finger means at one end being spaced from the bar, said barthrough its sliding movement operating to cause said finger means toposition the rod in the clamp prior and preparatory to closing of theclamp.

7. A machine of the character set forth comprising a clamp for the rodto be upset having a movable jaw and a jaw coacting therewith, meanswhereby the rod is supported in upstanding position independently of theclamp when the jaws are open, a bar slidable in the direction ofmovement of the movable jaw and at a right angle to said rod, a fingeron one side of the bar generally extending longitudinally of the bar andat one end being spaced from the bar, a second finger, said secondfinger extending from the aforesaid side of the bar and into the spacebetween the bar and first finger at a distance from said space end ofthe first finger, said bar through its sliding movement operating tocause said fingers to position the rod in the clamp prior andpreparatory to closing of the clamp.

8. A machine according to claim 5, having a bar slidable along theclamps having fingers engageable with said rods to position them in theclamps prior and preparatory to closing of the latter.

9. A machine according to claim 5 having base extensions on thestationary sections thereof, a bar slidable along said extensions, andfingers on said bar engageable with said rods to position them in theclamps prior and preparatory to closing of the latter.

10. A machine according to claim 6 wherein said one end of the finger isof cam form to aid in positioning the rod.

WALTER C. ULINE.

